15 Best Day Trips from Honolulu

Honolulu is the epicenter of the Hawaiian Islands.

There’s no hiding the fact that it’s a large, urban-centered city, but due to its supreme location on the island of Oahu, overlooking the beautiful vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu is a city that is very much livable – and perfect for a vacation.

City life in Honolulu is slow, it’s easy to escape the streets by simply walking down to one of the many beaches to spend the day relaxing in the sun or exploring the shoreline by paddleboard or boat.

The days will fly by in Honolulu, and that’s before you even head further afield.

Climb the iconic Diamond Head Crater for incredible views over the city or travel to the North Shore to explore some of Hawaii’s best beaches.

If you fancy, you could even travel to the other islands in the archipelago, chasing volcanoes and waterfalls as you go.

Honolulu is the perfect base from which to explore Hawaii; Here are the best day trips you can make from the city:

1. Waikiki Beach

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Waikiki Beach

Honolulu might be a city, but it’s also the perfect beach getaway destination, complete with sandy scenery and all the amenities you could ever need right on your doorstep.

Many tourists will find themselves staying on Waikiki Beach, on the south shore.

If you aren’t booked into a hotel there, you will find that your first day trip needs to be to Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki is what most people imagine when they think of a holiday to Hawaii.

This is the most famous beach in the state and it’s complete with bars, restaurants, and outdoor activities to keep you occupied for weeks if you desire.

White sands contrast starkly with the glimmering skyscrapers of Honolulu.

3. Pearl Harbor

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Pearl Harbor

It might be a rather somber day trip from Honolulu, but a visit to Pearl Harbor will certainly be a moving day trip.

This is the scene of the infamous Japanese attack on Hawaii that threw the United States into World War II. It’s a dramatic piece of history and one that many visitors to Honolulu will find themselves immersed in at some point during their trip.

Visit the harbor itself to see the site of the attack and to learn more about it.

Then travel to the USS Arizona, where the sunken battleship still rests on the harbor floor after its sinking and a visitor’s center allows you to walk out over the wreck.

Finally, visit the Punchbowl Cemetery, to pay your respects to all those who died fighting during World War II, not just at Pearl Harbor but across the Pacific.

6. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The rich, coral-filled waters are awash with a diverse array of marine life, both small and large.

There are plenty of unique and exciting snorkel and dive spots for visitors to explore across the island, and many tours exclusively cater to people looking to experience the best that can be found in the water.

11. Pineapple Plantations

An unusual day trip from Honolulu but a much-loved favorite among visitors to the city is a trip to the surrounding pineapple plantations.

The most famous is the Dole Plantation, a family-friendly affair where you can enjoy the delights of some of the world’s sweetest and juiciest pineapples, grown in perfect conditions in the fertile volcanic soil that’s found here.

12. The Valley of the Temples

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The Valley Of The Temples

Found on the eastern side of Oahu, The Valley of the Temples is a green and verdant area of the island, framed by mountains and forest.

It’s an unusual attraction, in that throughout this protected park, hundreds of different temples, shrines, and churches have been constructed over the years.

You will find Christian cathedrals next to Buddhist temples, making for an enlightening experience.

13. Waimea Waterfall

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Waimea Waterfall

Waimea Waterfall is hidden in the jungles of the North Shore and a hike to Waimea Waterfall is an epic day trip to make.

Strap on your boots and hit the trail to walk through the excellent and pristine natural surroundings of Hawaii’s landscapes and check out this beautiful, cascading waterfall.

14. Manoa Falls

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Manoa Falls

Another incredible waterfall to see while staying in Honolulu is the Manoa Falls.

This rocky, green waterfall rises 150-feet from the jungle floor and the hike here is sweaty but not too challenging, making it an excellent, accessible day trip from the nearby city.